The world-renowned Lula Washington Dance Theatre will answer this question in a performance at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Grand Prairie Center.

“The Little Rock Nine” is a dramatic theatrical dance production that takes audience members through the history, emotions and story of the desegregation of Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957.

“Having the dance company perform in the Riceland Auditorium is an honor,” Amanda Holsted, Grand Prairie Center director, said previously. “They are telling an important story from Arkansas and black history. Our community has a wonderful opportunity to see amazing, athletic dancers in this inspiring show.”

The Lula Washington Dance Theatre presents dance works rooted in the African-American culture worldwide. England, Ark., native Lula Washington founded the company in 1980 with her husband Erwin Washington.

Holsted said the Los Angeles-based dance company would also provide a master class for student dancers. The two events will kickoff February as Black History Month along with a community dinner.

The Grand Prairie Center will partner with the Holman Heritage Community Center to provide the dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the center’s Salon A.

Dinner tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults with the proceeds benefiting the Holman Center. Performance tickets are $27, $18, $12.

To purchase tickets, call the Grand Prairie Center box office at (870) 673-4201 ext. 1895. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours before any scheduled performance. Groups of 10 or more will receive a special discount.